Phase-Detection Autofocus (PDAF): what it is, how it works and what it does
PDAF is the designation for an autofocus system based on phase detection. In the available evidence, it is listed for both a wide camera and a telephoto camera, alongside optical image stabilization (OIS).
What it is
Phase-detection autofocus, commonly abbreviated as PDAF, is an autofocus technology. The designation indicates that focusing is performed through phase detection.
How to interpret PDAF in a product specification
When a camera specification includes “PDAF,” it indicates that the camera declares phase-detection autofocus. It should not automatically be interpreted as a property of every camera in the product: its presence must be checked for each module’s specification.
The supplied evidence lists PDAF for two separate modules:
- The main or wide camera lists PDAF and OIS
claim_id: 2241. - The telephoto camera lists PDAF and OIS
claim_id: 2244.
OIS and PDAF are different designations: in these specifications, both are associated with the same camera module, but the evidence does not describe a technical dependency between them.
Documented architecture and operation
The available information confirms the PDAF listing for the stated cameras, but does not describe its implementation. It does not specify the detector arrangement, sensor design, focusing algorithm, or physical lens-moving mechanism.
Scope and evidence limitations
The presence of PDAF identifies the declared autofocus technology for the cited wide and telephoto modules. By itself, it cannot establish focusing speed, accuracy, low-light performance, behavior with moving subjects, or the product’s photographic results.
A “PDAF” label identifies the announced autofocus type; by itself, it is not a performance measurement.